The Poland Public Library offers access to the Internet. The library endorses the Library Bill of Rights and the Freedom to Read documents for application to electronic information obtained via the Internet.

The Internet is a global electronic network connecting libraries to resource, material, and information beyond library doors. The library's access to the Internet, including the World Wide Web, is provided through the Mid-York Library System. The Mid-York Library System does not provide electronic mail accounts, FTP (file transfer protocol), Internet Relay Chat, or news groups.

The Internet allows users to connect to networks of information resources outside the library. The Poland Public Library has no control over these resources nor does the library have complete knowledge of what is on the Internet. The Poland Public Library connot be held responsible for the content or quality of the information retrieved. Information on the Internet may be reliable and Library users access the Internet at theft own discretion. Staff will assist patrons with Internet use as time permits, but cannot offer personal instruction. Staff does not and cannot have complete knowledge of Internet content and may not be familiar with sites users access or wish to access.

Parents of minor children under age seventeen assume responsibility for their children's use of the Internet through the library's connection. It must be understood that the Poland Public Library cannot act as a censor nor as a substitute parent. As is the case with all other library materials, any restriction of a child's access to the Internet is the responsibility of the child's parent or legal guardian. A parent or legal guardian may deny access to the Internet by informing the library in writing. Staff will inform any minor child that their parent or legal guardian does not want them to access the Internet at the Library.

Patrons may not use terminals for illegal or criminal purposes. As with all formats of information, patrons must respect copyright laws and licensing agreements and abide by general rules of acceptable Internet conduct. Patrons may not use terminals to install or download software; to violate another user's privacy; or in any manner that is disruptive to other library patrons. The library reserves the right to enforce a time allowance of thirty (30) minutes per session. Printing will be limited to that which can be completed within the allotted time, and may be stopped at the end of that time. Patrons will provide their own discs and paper or pay 5 cents per sheet. No patron material may be saved on the Library's hard drive. Failure to adhere to this policy and restrictions will empower the librarian to deny or restrict Internet access.

The library expressly disclaims any liability or responsibility, including copyright, arising from access to or use of information obtained through its electronic information systems, or any consequences thereof.

This policy may be revised from time to time by resolution of the Board of Trustees.

Approved by the Board of Trustees of the Poland Public Library, 2/13/01

Karen Ryan, President, Board of Trustees